Celebrating the impact of: YOU
As part of the IET Festival of Volunteering 2026, we celebrated outstanding volunteers through our Volunteer Excellence Awards.
We are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Volunteer Excellence Awards. These inspiring individuals were recognised for their exceptional contributions, dedication and commitment to volunteering across the IET.
IET Champion Organisation for Volunteering winner (LBE)
An IET Champion Organisation for Volunteering recognises organisations that go above and beyond to support their employees in volunteering, creating an environment where contribution is valued, encouraged, and celebrated.
This award celebrates an organisation whose commitment is felt directly by volunteers and whose support plays a vital role in the growth of the IET community.
AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis are a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems.
Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world.
We design and deliver major projects on the built and natural environments all around the world. We believe that digitally enabled engineering has the power to radically improve the way we are all housed, connected, powered, and protected.
We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer this better future for our planet and its people.
It’s our belief that it’s only by connecting people, data and technology across our global organization, partnerships and industry, that transformational change is possible.
This requires us to understand the most complex projects, end-to-end. It demands we deliver ambitious designs underpinned by flawless execution. It necessitates the ability to make Net Zero solutions, powered by digitally enabled processes, the norm. And it means that culturally, we aim to be an open, invitational, and likeable team that problem solvers are instinctively drawn to.
IET Champion Organisation for Volunteering winner (SME)
Swagelok
Based on the Isle of Man, Swagelok Limited is the island’s largest engineering employer and a key manufacturer of pressure regulators. As a subsidiary of Swagelok Company, a global leader in industrial fluid system products and services, the organisation combines world-class manufacturing expertise with a strong commitment to its people and local communities.
At the heart of Swagelok’s success is a people-focused culture built on respect, collaboration, opportunity, and continuous improvement. Associates are encouraged to share ideas, develop their skills, and contribute both within the workplace and beyond.
Community engagement is a core element of Swagelok’s values. Through support for STEM education, workforce development partnerships, charitable initiatives, sponsored volunteering opportunities, and employee giving programmes, the company helps strengthen communities and inspire future generations.
IET Rising Star of Volunteering winner
A Rising Star is a volunteer who has been with the IET for less than two years who has already made a meaningful impact, showing initiative, enthusiasm, and strong potential for the future.
Awarded to an outstanding volunteer professional, the nominee can be currently volunteering in any area of the IET.
EUR ING Govind Valji Vekaria CEng FIET FCL
TopSky-ATC Operational Authority & Project Design Authority, Thales UK
Govind’s volunteering journey began with a simple goal: give a little more of himself. At Thales UK—where volunteering is actively encouraged and supported with dedicated paid time—he turned that intention into action, initially setting a target of at least ten hours a year, and very quickly exceeding it.
In January 2025, Govind teamed up with two others to relaunch the IET London Harrow Local Network, aiming to deliver three in-person events that year. Soon after, when the others stepped back, Govind didn’t—he became the driving force, scaling up Harrow’s event calendar and introducing Technical Visits spanning both industry and academia.
Harrow’s audience continues to grow exponentially as Govind continues to build momentum, one event at a time.
IET Members’ Choice Award for Volunteering winner
A Members’ Choice Award nominee is a volunteer who consistently enhances the experience of being part of the IET and ensures that fellow members feel supported throughout their involvement.
Awarded to an outstanding volunteer professional, the nominee can be currently volunteering in any area of the IET.
Richard Meadows
Richard is a career electrical engineer whose work in power generation control systems and switchgear design began in 1976.
Over five decades, he worked in 22 countries across Australia, the Far East, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Appointed Senior Authorised Person – HV in the early 1980s, he held this responsibility until 2012.
In 2006, he became Technical Director of Cummins Power Generation, leading engineering and compliance strategy for Europe, Middle East and Africa until retiring in 2016.
He now volunteers with the IET and the National Trust, continuing to share his expertise and commitment to engineering.